Creek Causes Flooding Near Hwy. 101 in Palo Alto

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Palo Alto police say it appears that San Francisquito Creek may not overflow its banks at the Pope Chaucer Bridge as initially feared, but officials continue to monitor water levels.

The creek has already caused extensive flooding of U.S. Highway 101 north of Embarcadero Road. The California Highway Patrol has closed some lanes and the westbound Embarcadero Road offramp from southbound Highway 101, and traffic is moving slowly through the area.

Embarcadero Road is also closed, according to Palo Alto police.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Creek, which runs through residential and commercial areas along the borders of Palo Alto, Menlo Park and East Palo Alto, around 7:30 p.m.

Water levels are now receding, but a high tide is expected shortly before 10 p.m., according to police.

If the creek, which has a history of flooding, overtopped its banks at Pope and Chaucer streets, apartment buildings, homes and parking garages in the area would all be at risk, according to Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman.

Clogged drains also caused localized flooding at Greer Road and Hamilton Avenue in Palo Alto, according to police, but that has cleared up.